The spires of the **Hunter Academy** rose high into the sky, their gothic architecture standing as a testament to discipline and power. Cobblestone pathways teemed with life as students rushed between sparring fields, alchemy labs, and lecture halls. For months, Noah had been absent from this place, weaving his schemes and growing stronger in the shadows. Now, his return was inevitable.
The academy's open policy allowed students to leave as they pleased, provided they met performance standards during exams. Yet Noah knew his extended absence would have drawn attention—attention he didn't need. Whispers would follow him, theories would abound, but that didn't matter. What mattered was ensuring no one grasped the true extent of his meteoric rise to **Level 15**.
Noah strode through the gates with measured steps, his **Concealment** skill active. It was a crucial ability tied to his **Night Sovereign** class, masking his true level and suppressing the dense mana that pulsed within him. The illusion it projected was flawless, painting him as a **Level 8** hunter. It was an intentional choice: Level 8 was impressive enough to quell doubts about his stagnation but plausible enough to avoid drawing undue suspicion.
---
### **A Return Marked by Whispers**
The moment he entered the bustling courtyard, the weight of curious stares and hushed murmurs settled over him. Conversations stalled, and heads turned.
"Is that Alaric? He's back?"
"Finally. Thought he'd vanished after the Abyssal Maw."
"Look at him—still as smug as ever."
Noah ignored the whispers. He kept his expression neutral, his strides steady. Every step was calculated to project quiet confidence without arrogance.
The Hunter Academy thrived on strength and status, and students like Noah—enigmatic, capable, and fiercely independent—were often targets of envy and suspicion.
---
At the base of the grand staircase leading to the central hall, a familiar figure waited. **Arlen**, a senior student notorious for his arrogance, leaned casually against a pillar, his entourage flanking him. His sharp grin widened as Noah approached.
"Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence," Arlen sneered. "The Abyssal Maw's golden boy. Or should I say ghost? What's it like hiding for months?"
Noah stopped, his cold gaze locking onto Arlen's. "Still clinging to theatrics for relevance, Arlen? One day, people might remember you for something other than being loud."
A ripple of muffled laughter spread through the onlookers, and Arlen's grin faltered. His mana spiked, subtle but noticeable, as he stepped forward.
"You've got a sharp tongue, Alaric. Let's see if you've got the skill to match it."
Before Noah could respond, a firm voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough."
**Professor Mireille** approached, her commanding presence silencing the crowd. Her sharp gaze settled on Arlen first, then flicked to Noah.
"Arlen, your need to grandstand is exhausting. Save your energy for the exams." Her tone left no room for argument. Turning to Noah, her eyes narrowed slightly. "Alaric, your absence has been noted. I trust you've been preparing?"
Noah inclined his head slightly. "More than you'll need me to."
Her gaze lingered for a moment before she nodded and strode away, dispersing the crowd with a single glance.
---
In the days leading up to the exams, Noah seamlessly reintegrated himself into the academy's routines. His time away had been spent navigating far more dangerous terrain than any the academy could conjure. Yet he understood the importance of appearances.
During sparring sessions, he displayed enough skill to maintain his reputation but avoided overshadowing his peers. His movements were calculated, his techniques precise but restrained. Every action was designed to reinforce his projected level without betraying his true strength.
For the written exams, Noah provided answers that showcased competence without drawing undue attention to his knowledge. He understood the material far beyond what was required but knew better than to let that show.
---
The practical exam was the true test—a spectacle where combat prowess and adaptability were showcased before instructors and students alike.
The trial took place in the grand arena, where mana constructs mimicking high-level monsters were deployed in escalating waves. The arena buzzed with energy as spectators filled the stands, eager to watch the competition unfold.
When Noah's name was called, a hush fell over the crowd. Whispers followed him as he stepped into the ring, the illusion of his **Level 8** status adding a layer of intrigue.
The first wave of constructs fell swiftly to Noah's calculated strikes. He used straightforward techniques, conserving mana and energy while demonstrating efficiency. By the third wave, he had established a rhythm, dispatching his foes with precision but without unnecessary flair.
By the time the final wave was defeated, the murmurs in the crowd had shifted from skepticism to cautious admiration.
---
When the exam results were posted, Noah's name appeared in the upper third of the rankings. It was exactly where he had intended to be: notable but not exceptional.
"Level 8 and he's already this good?"
"He's just lucky. Wait until he faces real opponents."
"He's definitely hiding something."
The whispers didn't bother Noah. Let them speculate. The less they understood, the safer he was.
---
While Noah focused on the academy, his subordinate **Kalis** had been quietly growing stronger in his absence. Kalis' class, **Crimson Stalker**, was a vampiric offshoot tied to Noah's bloodline. As a **Level 10 Hunter**, Kalis specialized in assassination, his abilities honed for stealth and lethal precision.
The Crimson Stalker class granted Kalis enhanced agility, predatory instincts, and mana-draining techniques that made him a nightmare for his prey. While not as powerful as Noah's **Night Sovereign** class, it was still formidable, especially in Kalis' capable hands.
Over the past months, Kalis had been Noah's blade in the shadows, hunting humans to sustain his vampiric nature while eliminating threats to Noah's plans. His loyalty was unwavering, his growth steady.
---
As Noah returned to his quarters, he reflected on his position. The exams were behind him, but the real challenges lay ahead. His rise to **Level 20** was inevitable, but he knew he would have to conceal his progress carefully.
For now, he would play the role of the enigmatic but promising student. But in the shadows, his mind worked tirelessly, calculating his next move.
The academy might see him as a rising star, a hunter-in-training with untapped potential. But Noah knew the truth. He wasn't just a hunter. He was a predator. And soon, the world would know it too.